There are clouds of uncertainties over Afghanistan’s participation in the upcoming men’s T20 World Cup next month. There is confusion over whether they will retain the Afghanistan flag or switch to Taliban’s.
What does ICC say?
As per the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) protocols, all the nations participating in the mega event have to submit their flags. When Sports Tak asked for clarification from the apex cricket body, the ICC source said, “We are planning for their usual flag”. Also, Sports Tak is awaiting reply for ACB's new chairman, Azizullah Fazli.
According to a report by Telegraph UK, if Afghanistan decide to play under Taliban’s flag, ICC would call an emergency meeting and vote if the side should be suspended or not. For the suspension to happen 12 members out of 17 need to vote in its favour.
Earlier this month, Cricket Australia announced that they will not host the one-off Test against Afghanistan if the country does not allow women to play international cricket.
Afghanistan have emerged as a lethal T20I side over the years. Several Afghanistan players play in T20 leagues across the world. The team was among the top eight teams who got a direct entry into World Cup. They were scheduled to start their World Cup campaign on October 25 at Sharjah Cricket Stadium against one of the teams that go through the qualifiers.
